FRIDAY, 8/15 Noon – 1:30pm SEED & SPARK + TUGG CROWDFUNDING TO BUILD INDEPENDENCE The only proven path to true independence, as an artist is a direct connection to your audience. Crowdfunding is becoming a fundamental piece of most financing plans for independent film. However, many filmmakers miss the opportunity to turn their film funding campaigns into audiencebuilding opportunities that can last an entire career – and provide the groundwork for theatrical distribution that you control. Seed&Spark and Tugg are combining forces to invest in the future of independence for independent film by offering a comprehensive Crowdfunding to Build Independence seminar. This class for film-related projects will provide the crowdfunding and distribution action plan most likely to create a lasting, flourishing, direct relationship with your audience. EMILY BEST Founder, CEO of Seed&Spark ALEX DOBRENKO Tugg
2pm – 3:30pm THE CURRENT STATE OF HOLLYWOOD INSIDER INSIGHT FROM TOP MANAGERS AND EXECS In an industry that’s seemingly in a continuous state of flux, it’s important to stay on top of discernible trends with an eye to the future. What types of projects are moving the business these days? Are they ground-breaking TV series on HBO and NetFlix? Is TV the new cinema? How does this affect the industry and you? Listen to top managers and execs as they offer insight on the current state of Hollywood. MODERATOR: ELLIOT KOTEK Content Chief, Co-Founder, Not Impossible Labs RICK SORKIN CAA JELANI JOHNSON The Mission Entertainment
4pm – 5:30pm A TERRIFYING CALLING CARD: HOW TO BEST USE YOUR HORROR SHORT FOR BUSINESS PRESENTED BY FANGORIA MAGAZINE AND SCREAM FACTORY You’ve worked your fingers to the bone, bled your bank account dry, and finished your terrifying piece of film. Now what? A conversation with genre filmmakers, marketers and network programmers about making the most of your horror short in regards to the business of film, television and new media. MODERATOR: GAVIN HIGNIGHT Writer, Marketing Manager at FEARnet NICHOLAS TANA Hollyshorts, CEO, Smart Media LLC ERICK SALOMON Development and Aquisitions Executive (FearNET, Comcast Ent.) REBEKAH MCKENDRY Horror Film Director, co-host-KillverPOV on Geek Nation RYAN SPINDELL Horror Film Director, co-host KillverPOV on Geek Nation KYLE RANKIN Director, Night of the Living Deb (amongst many many others)
6pm-8pm COCKTAILS AND NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR WITH FANGORIA & SCREAM FACTORY - FRIGHTENING FRIDAY Hollyshorts is no stranger to the short film and to horror... immediately following the panel, come celebrate both along with sponsors Fangoria Magazine and Scream Factory and network with panelists and other filmmakers on Friday August 15th between 6 and 8 PM in the Roosevelt Hotel Oscar Room. Enjoy an open bar and mix the macabre with horror genre Writers, Filmmakers and Journalists. Frightening Friday is immediately following A Terrifying Calling Card Horror Panel at 4PM featuring speakers from FANGORIA, FEARNET and indie horror cinema (info above)
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Saturday 8/16 11am – Noon BAGELS, LOX AND DOCS – A BREAKFAST CONVERSATION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING Documentaries play an increasingly important role in our modern media landscape. They allow for a longer, focused look at issues that otherwise are discussed in brief news clips, tweets, and facebook posts. This panel will look at the past, present and future of the documentary world, and how important it is to keep it vibrant, even though the challenges are significant. Documentary filmmakers need to be artists, technicians, and businessmen/salesmen all at the same time. How do they do it, and what are the rewards for these projects that are created with such passion? A lively discussion by documentary insiders. BARRY RUBINOW Film Exec and Editor, Producer, Doc Talk ADAM SCHOMER Director-Producer-Writer, i2i Productions STEVEN REICH Emmy nominated writer and producer
Noon – 1:30pm GET YOUR FILM FINANCED One of the single most asked questions in the world of filmmaking is “How do I finance my film?” and for good reason. Even with all the exciting tools and platforms available to create and distribute content today, financing a feature or a short film is still a big challenge for filmmakers in today’s strained economy. There are myriad factors that have to be accounted for when financing a film, such as: knowing your audience; who to pitch to; convincing a financier your project will deliver a positive ROI; and handling multiple investors and money sources. Our expert panel will discuss these factors and many more to help prepare today’s filmmakers for the ever-changing world of film financing. MODERATOR: MARK STOLAROFF No Budget Filmmaking VIVIANA ZAGORITTA Three Point Capital JEFF KALLIGHERI CEO, Waterstone Entertainment GLEN REYNOLDS CEO, Circus Road Films KAWAI HO Director, Lionsgate (former Exec, Pacific Mercantile Bank)
2pm – 3:30pm THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION JECT So you’ve written a short film and finally got it made. Your spec script is on its 10th draft and starting to shape. Now you’re setting your sights on TV… Before you type TEASER at the top of the page, be sure to join us for “The Golden Age of Television” panel and discussion. This information-packed-panel will be geared towards filmmakers seeking expertise on how to break into writing for episodic television. Hear from CBS and Warner Bros. Television execs, reps from CAA, Rothman Brecher and Andrea Simon Entertainment and working writer/producers from hit shows like CSI, Chicago PD and The Following. The panel will be moderated by feature and television writer/director David Rodriguez. MODERATOR: DAVID RODRIGUEZ Once upon a time in Queens, NCIS LA, The Following MICK BETANCOURT Consulting producer, writer – Chicago PD CHRISTOPHER MACK Warner Brothers Television JEANIE MAU CBS ASHLEY HOLLAND CAA RINA BRANNEN Rothman Brecher ANDREA SIMON Andrea Simon Entertainment LIZ DEVINE Co-Executive Producer, Writer, CSI MIKE MCGRALE The Following (Fox)
4pm – 5:30pm THE REEL DEALS IN SHORT FILM PRESENTED BY SHORTS HD How can short filmmakers make money? The market where short films can make money is shrinking and is filled with empty promises. Short filmmakers need to know where the real deals in short film can be found separating fact from fiction. This panel of professionals covers the basics and specifics of selling and packaging short films. Come learn how to maximize exposure and get the real deals in short film, and enjoy cocktails and conversation with the panelists immediately following the panel MODERATOR: MARSHALL NORD President, Shorts Entertainment Network LINDA O ShortsHD / Oscar Shorts LINDA HAYDEN Planet Pictures / ShortsHD ANDREW CRANE American Cinematheque THOMAS ETHAN HARRIS Short Film Strategist JOEY HORVITZ The Weinstein Company / Lexus Short Films JON BLOOM AMPAS
6pm-8pm COCKTAILS AND NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR Sponsored by ShortsHD
Sunday 8/17 Noon – 2pm EMPOWERING YOUR FILM FUNDING MODERATOR: DANIEL LIR Dream Team Directors BAYOU BENNET Dream Team Directors BABACAR DIENE VP Acquisitions at Voltage Pictures (Dallas Buyers Club, Hurt Locker) DANIEL SHERKOW Global Universal TANYA KERSEY Filmmakers Career Coach and Founder of the Hollywood Black Film Festival ALEX FLORES Producer, Shoreline Entertainment RIO VALENTIN Origin Releasing
2:30pm – 4pm FILM FESTIVAL DIRECTORS REVEAL – WHAT DOES IT REALLY TAKE TO GET YOUR MOVIE INTO THE FEST? This loaded panel will undoubtedly host a large and attentive audience as they explain what it takes to get your movie into a festival. They’ll offer inside secrets, insight and advice when submitting to their festivals as well. This panel is sure to be a highlight of the HollyShorts Film Festival that you won’t want to miss. MODERATOR: ALEX BEN BLOCK Senior Editor, The Hollywood Reporter SHARON BADAL Tribeca Film Festival, Director, Shorts Programming LARRY LABOE New Filmmakers LA ROBERTA MARIE MUNROE Executive Director, NIFF JEANNIE ROSHAR LA Comedy Shorts Fest
4:30pm – 6pm WASHINGTON FILM – COME SEE WHAT YOU’RE MISSING (LIKE 30% BACK IN TAX CREDITS IN 30 DAYS)
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Film in Washington State? Isn’t Washington practically Canada? It’s so stinking far North. But did you know that Seattle is a three hour drive from snowy mountains, deserts, ocean beaches, rainforests, and oh yeah Canada. What was Game of Thrones thinking? They should have shot in Washington. Then there’s this whole 30% cash back in 30 days state incentive. Yes, you heard that right. Add to the formula that Washington’s talent pool has grown powerful. With a growing base on both sides of the camera, now is the time to think about shooting North. But not too far North. Meet some of the groovy people who are turning Washington film into a premier place to shoot your next project. MODERATOR: BEN ANDREWS Evil Slave STEFANIE MALONE Managing Director of largest Youth Festival in the country, NFFTY PETER BARNES Co-Founder of Clatter and Din Sound Studio in Seattle SCILLA ANDREEN CEO of IndieFlix WARREN ETHEREDGE Just the man
6pm-8pm COCKTAILS AND NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR Sponsored by Washington Film Toast to Filming in Washington State and network with all the panel parrticpants and like-minded HollyShorts attendees immediately following the panel
Monday 8/18 Noon – 1:30pm ME+HER – CASE STUDY PRESENTED BY BLACKMAGIC DESIGN WITH BRADLEY STONESIFER, CINEMATOGRAPHER Join cinematographer Bradley Stonesifer as he discusses his work on Me+Her, a live action short film by Island Creek Pictures, which was accepted into Sundance’s Short Film program in 2014. Me+Her is set in a fantasy world in the city of Cardboard where the main character, Jack Cardboard, goes on a journey to mend a broken heart. Bradley worked alongside Director Joseph Oxford to create an amazing world where all of the main characters and sets were built out of standard cardboard boxes on a one fifth scale. Bradley will discuss how the team devised and brought such a unique idea to life, how they met the demands of such an unusual workflow, the technology used, including affordable, easy to use and high quality cameras, as well as tips for submitting and getting accepted into Sundance. BLACKMAGIC DESIGN: Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. The revolutionary Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Blackmagic Production Camera 4K and Blackmagic URSA provide a true feature film look in a digital film camera design. DaVinci Resolve is the world’s highest performance on set, editing and color correction solution for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux computers. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to blackmagicdesign.com.
2pm – 3:30pm LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE OF FILMS TODAY In today’s digital age, we take for granted daily announcements for new inventions in our everyday life. Why don’t we apply that same mindset of innovation to our advantage in filmmaking? Meet experts in the field who are pioneering new film technology. They will explain how to utilize today’s most cutting edge tools for the film you’d like to make tomorrow. This seminar will provide a framework through which you will better understand pre-production, post-production and marketing in the digital age.
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ADAM LEBOWITZ Founder, Quick Film Budget DAN BIRNBAUM Senior Manager, Business Development at Technicolor JACK CATE CTO, Audience Delivered BRIAN ALAN QUANDT Entertainment Engineering Executive JOSH WEINSTOCK Producer at Weinstock Entertainment
4pm – 5:30pm CONTINUING YOUR CREATIVITY INTO FEATURE FILMS: HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION PRESENTED BY UCLAX Shorts films are a calling card for filmmakers and many aspire to make a feature as a next step in their career. The panel discusses the creative issues related to transitioning from short films to features, including the story: a new concept or as an expansion of the existing short film?; how to attract the best talent for the available budget; the delights and challenges of shooting with a larger budget; and how to package your project to insure it gets made. KIM ADELMAN Indep. Filmmaker, author, “The Ultimate Filmmakers Guide to Short Films” SUSANA CASARES Producer, Director, Instructor – UCLA Extension David Martin-Porras DAVID MARTIN-PORRAS Director, Disney/ABC Television Group FERNANDO SCARPA International Award Winning Director and Actor
6pm-8pm COCKTAILS AND NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR
TUESDAY, 8/19 Noon – 1:30pm IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING AND SHORT FORM CONTENT – CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES PRESENTED BY WOMEN IN FILM (WIF) MODERATOR: TAMARA KRINSKY Sciren JANE FLEMING The Quest EVETTE VARGAS Dark Prophet CHASE FEIN Dark Prophet ELAINE HENDRIX Sex, Drugs and Rock&Roll (w/Dennis Leary) and The Pet Matchmaker
2pm – 3:30pm ENTERTAINMENT LAW FOR SHORT FILMMAKERS PLATFORMS AND MODELS CAN’T YOU DO THE DEALS & CONTRACTS YOURSELF? In the entertainment world, there’s a temptation to do everything yourself to cut costs, but oftentimes it pays to get the job done properly, which is definitely the case when it comes to entertainment law. Entertainment agreements can be confusing to even attorneys who aren’t familiar with entertainment law, so it’s important to have the proper legal counsel available when dealing with them. Our panel will help navigate short filmmakers through these tricky waters. MODERATOR: JONATHAN HANDEL Troy Gould Entertainment/Technology ERIC FEIG Eric Feig Entertainment & Media Law, IncCliff Lo CLIFF LO Kalmansohn & Andersen, LLP, Of Counsel / Entertainment Lawyer JEFF COHEN Cohen Gardner LLP
4pm – 5:30pm CAN THE INTERNET REALLY MAKE YOU A BETTER PRODUCER? The Internet’s influence on the film industry is still relatively new but already has affected how projects are financed, produced and distributed. In each of these cases the Internet threatens or displaces established business practices. What changes should one anticipate next? Those of us practicing our craft over the next several decades need to be keenly aware of the technological environment. An understanding of what’s cutting edge and what’s on the drawing board is a valuable asset. Jim Fitzgerald, Founder Lightspeed eps will moderate this forward-thinking panel that digs in to discuss how today’s emerging Internet technologies will make you a more effective filmmaker. MODERATOR: JIM FITZGERALD Founder, LightspeedEPS BOB ALEXANDER CEO, indiepix JASON BRUBAKER filmmakingstuff.com GEOFF TALBOT CEO President, Genuine Ink Media MARC HOFSTATTER Indiegogo
6pm – 8pm COCKTAILS AND NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR
WEDNESDAY, 8/20 – DIGITAL DAY PRESENTED BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Noon – 1:30pm EMERGING DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR SHORT FILMMAKERS ARE THEY REAL AND HOW DO THEY MAKE ME MONEY? In recent years, short films have experienced a resurgence and with the emergence of new digital platforms, there are more and more places to watch them. But the technology available to filmmakers today has leveled the playing field, making it even harder to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. What’s a short filmmaker to do? Our expert panel will discuss the viability of these platforms and how short filmmakers can make money from them. MODERATOR: KEVIN WINSTON Digital LA / Silicon Beach Fest TED SCHILOWITZ Futurist | VR Creation, 20thy Century Fox MOHIT MAHAJAN 2wayTV STEVEN LONG MITCHELL Emmy award nominated Writer, Producer and Author DARREN PASSARELLO Founder, Agents of Mayhem Productions
2pm – 3:30pm PGA DIGITAL PANEL FROM YOUTUBE TO NETFLIX, HULU AND BEYOND The face of film and tv is changing. Learn first hand how these successful producers (who account for over 10 billion online views) have transformed studios and networks with their work in the digital space. Sponsored by The Producers Guild of America. MODERATOR: DAMIAN PELLICIONE TIM STREET Vice President Mobile Video, mDialog EMILY BARCLAY FORD Producer GARY BRYMAN Executive Producer TCG Studio YOUTUBE STAR “RANDAL”
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4pm – 5:30pm HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR IDEA PRESENTED BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY • Define the micro-community for your film pre-film launch • Build strategic partnerships with YouTube Influencers • Create perks and think like a crowdfunder creator: Would Quentin Tarantino Bring you Donuts? • Learn to leverage the power of the niche audience • Case studies on reaching the millennial video gamer • How to rally your fans for one goal and keeping them engaged throughout the process PRESENTER: RYAN WILLIAMS Ryan Williams is an entrepreneur, writer, consultant, and former stand-up comedian. He also hosts and produces a podcast called “The Influencer Economy”, where he speaks with creative entrepreneurs and online video visionaries who have launched big ideas online. Ryan has been a pioneer in the social media and video industry, executing groundbreaking marketing campaigns for clients including Disney, Microsoft, Activision, and Warner Bros. He has been an early team member at venture-backed startups such as DigiSynd (Disney), Machinima, and State. Ryan received his B.A. in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.
6pm – 8pm COCKTAILS AND NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR Presented by General Assembly
THURSDAY, 8/21 Noon – 1:30pm HOW TO CREATE AN AWARD WINNING SHORT PETER RUSSELL, a long-time judge for Holly Shorts, and UCLA’s Film & Television Teacher of the Year in 2009, shares his tips and secrets for making a great short film, including: 1. The one plot pattern of almost all great shorts 2. The different genres of short film and how to use the patterns of each 3. Finding a great short subject (hint-you don’t have to write it) 4. The suspense tricks of award-winning short movies Peter will use some of the best short films of the last ten years to illustrate his points along with many more tips. PRESENTER: PETER RUSSELL Peter Russell co-founded a Venice, California based film and television story school ‘How Movies Work’, and, along with his partner Cecilia Russell, is a longtime story doctor in Hollywood, who has advised on story for many studios, including Imagine Entertainment, HBO, Viacom, CBS Television, Participant, Walden Films, and many more. His latest consult was for PELE (release date September 2014), with Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer producing.
2pm – 3:30pm SPEED SHMOOSING DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS MEET TALENT AT THIS SPEED NETWORKING SESSION (Casting Society of America) The Casting Society of America is proud to announce our first ever “Speed Shmoozing” Event with HollyShorts. This private event pairs Filmmakers and Content Creators with Members of The Casting Society of America to create relationships for future projects. Directors and Producers will have an opportunity to sit down with the Industry’s best and brightest Casting Directors and Casting
Associates to make a professional connection for future endeavors. Bring plenty of cards! First Priority will be given to Film Makers with pieces in the Festival. ADVANCED RSVP REQUIRED RSVP to hollyshortsfilmconference@gmail.com or send a text to 424.835.1740
4pm – 5:30pm CASTING MATTERS – CSA CASTING DIRECTORS PANEL The Casting Society of America presents an in-depth discussion on Casting Issues relating to short films, Television and Full Length Features. We will explore the process as it pertains to Casting Short Films vs Features and how new film makers can best position their projects with the talent community. We will also be providing a question/answer period. JOANNA COLBERT Award winning Casting Director MATT LESSALL Former Director of Feature Film Casting at 20th Century Fox IVY ISENBERG Artios Nominee and CSA Board member TRACY “TWINKIE” BIRD Casting Director
6pm – 8pm DRINKS WITH DISTRIBUTORS AT DIGITAL MARKET PRESENTED BY HOLLYSHORTS Filmmakers of HollyShorts meet up with Distributors at the fest. Bring your cards and get ready to network, enjoy an open bar and coin this as a productive warm up to the HollyShorts Awards Show, at 8pm in the Roosevelt Blossom Ballroom.